Chelsea's Bold Palmer Gamble Against Leeds: Can Injured Star Deliver in Crucial Clash?
Chelsea are looking to secure their fifth consecutive Premier League win as they welcome relegation-battling Leeds United to Stamford Bridge.
The Blues have experienced a remarkable improvement in form following Liam Rosenior's appointment, securing victories in all four league matches under the 41-year-old manager. Cole Palmer emerged as the star performer on Saturday as his opening-half treble powered Chelsea to a 3–1 victory against Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Leeds defeated Chelsea in the corresponding fixture in early December at Elland Road during Enzo Maresca's tenure, and Chelsea will be looking for payback at their home ground.
Match Snapshot
Match Snapshot
Team News
Team News
Chelsea remained without skipper Reece James for their Midlands trip due to a minor injury and his participation remains doubtful for Tuesday—Rosenior has revealed he's now dealing with illness after recovering from his physical setback.
Andrey Santos has bounced back from the ankle swelling that forced his late substitution at Molineux, while Tosin Adarabioyo is also expected to return after missing recent fixtures with a hamstring problem.
Nevertheless, injury concerns persist throughout the Chelsea roster. Levi Colwill is accompanied by Dário Essugo, Roméo Lavia and Jamie Gittens in the medical bay, while Filip Jörgensen continues to be questionable for bench duty as Robert Sánchez's backup.
Rosenior has stated Palmer is prepared to feature against Leeds and despite wanting to carefully manage the 23-year-old's playing time, the Chelsea manager requires him in the starting eleven against challenging opponents.
Chelsea Predicted Lineup vs. Leeds (4-2-3-1)
Chelsea Predicted Lineup vs. Leeds (4-2-3-1)
GK: Robert Sánchez—The Spanish goalkeeper had a relatively comfortable outing against Wolves but should anticipate more action against Leeds, who netted three times past him in Yorkshire two months prior.
RB: Malo Gusto—Sickness may lead to another absence for James despite his injury recovery, with Gusto getting the nod over his captain. The French defender will have freedom to venture forward on the right flank on Tuesday.
CB: Wesley Fofana—Fofana's missing presence from the Elland Road squad was a key factor in Chelsea's disappointing loss. The defender will be well-equipped for a physical contest with Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who has reached 10 Premier League strikes this season.
CB: Trevoh Chalobah—The England defender has been a defensive cornerstone for Chelsea with good reason following reliable performances under both Maresca and Rosenior.
LB: Marc Cucurella—A dynamic showing against Wolves included providing an assist and he's likely to be utilized in a similar forward-thinking capacity against Leeds, who operate without traditional wingers that might typically force him deeper.
DM: Moisés Caicedo—The commanding Leeds midfield was crucial to Chelsea's December loss in the reverse meeting and it's telling that Caicedo was missing from the matchday squad for that encounter.
DM: Enzo Fernández—Deployed on the left flank in recent outings, Fernández might be repositioned to his preferred central role where he operates much more effectively.
RW: Pedro Neto—Neto found the net in the Elland Road meeting and that remains the winger's latest Premier League strike—a concerning statistic for Rosenior.
AM: Cole Palmer—Following his opening-half hat-trick against Wolves over the weekend, the England midfielder will be full of confidence for Leeds' visit. A self-assured Palmer poses a significant threat.
LW: Alejandro Garnacho—Rosenior might consider rotating several positions against Leeds, though major changes will likely come in Friday's FA Cup tie. Garnacho could capitalize after being left out of recent starting lineups.
ST: João Pedro—Pedro's performances have been excellent since Rosenior's arrival and he's now scored five times under the former Strasbourg manager. He earned both spot-kicks at the weekend despite failing to find the net himself.